Avian Evolution Unleashed: Imagining a World Where Mesozoic Birds and Troodontids Thrive into the Modern Age

In a hypothetical speculative evolution scenario where anchiornithids, archaeopterygids, jeholornithids, scansoriopterygids, enantiornithine birds, and troodontids survived up until the end of the Cretaceous and continued to evolve post-KPg extinction event, we could imagine the following evolutionary adaptations based on our current knowledge and understanding of their unique qualities and environmental adaptive requirements: 1. Anchiornithids: These small, four-winged paravians with intricate feathering would have likely used their size and speed to fill niches similar to those of the current day small birds, such as sparrows or finches. Selected for their nimbleness, some of these species might have been domesticated as exotic pets, prized for their unique four-winged appearance. 2. Archaeopterygids: Known for their bird-like physical attributes, these dinosaurs would have likely developed traits favouring flight. Long, strong wings and a light body could have adapted these creatures towards larger, albatross-like forms perfectly suited for long-distance soaring and travel. In a domesticated context, human civilizations could have bred these for messenger birds, due to their stamina and navigational skills. 3. Jeholornithids: With their long tails and specialised diets, Jeholornithids could occupy a niche similar to modern-day chickens or turkeys. Domestication potential for this group would be dependent on their dietary needs and temperament, with the larger and more docile species probably being prized as a source of poultry. 4. Scansoriopterygids: These creatures had elongated third fingers and membranous wings, similar to modern bats. We could speculate that these creatures could evolve to resemble owls or nocturnal birds, thriving in nighttime environments. In a modern context, specific species might have been domesticated for pest control in much the same way barn owls have been used to manage rodent populations. 5. Enantiornithine Birds: Enantiornithines were the most successful birds of the Mesozoic, filling many of the ecological niches that modern birds occupy today. Post-KPg, they could have diversified even more, becoming an even more successful and prevalent group of species. Humans would likely have developed multiple relationships with these birds, much like we have with modern birds. 6. Troodontids: Troodontids were small, smart, fast, and likely nocturnal. We could speculate that these species would continue to evolve in a similar way to our modern birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks. Domestication of this group could result in creatures similar to falcons, prized for their hunting abilities and often used in falconry. Remember, while speculative evolution is fun, it's also educated guesswork based on the very unpredictable process of natural evolution. The real outcome could be completely unexpected!